Traveling by cruise requires some sacrifices that land vacations do not. The larger one may mean you have very limited space.
Cruise cabins measure approximately 180 square feet. That's half the size of a traditional hotel room. And while newer rooms have better layouts with plenty of smart spaces, like headboards that also offer storage and bedside USB ports, many older ships don't offer those amenities.
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Many cabins have limited storage, a single power outlet, and no USB ports.
Additionally, many cruise passengers face other challenges, such as if you check your luggage, you are limited to what you are wearing and everything you carry in your carry-on until late at night. If you check your bags, they might be there when the captain announces the cabins are ready or they might even show up after the start of early dinner.
Over the years, cruise passengers have discovered countless “hacks” to help them get the most out of their cruises. Not all tricks work for everyone, but many of these tips will help you have a better cruise.
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Here are some Royal Caribbean tricks
Royal Caribbean used its x page, the old twitter, to ask its followers to share some travel tips.
“What's the most underrated travel hack?” the cruise line posted and its audience shared some good ones.
A few tricks are helpful before the cruise begins. “
When you arrive at the airport and someone picks you up. Always ask them to pick you up at the departure point. It sounds weird, I know, but it's faster. Especially if it's late at night, when not many flights are leaving and there are fewer people coming down,” Midas Mark posted.
Robin Hendrix shared one that many people don't even consider.
“Wear your swimsuit when you board so you can jump in the pool immediately,” she wrote.
Ideally, you should also bring something to change into in case your suitcases don't arrive, as you don't want to have to spend the afternoon in a wet swimsuit.
“Go early! I traveled the day before to Baltimore,” Tito posted #PositiveVibes.
That advice was shared by many other posters.
“Always go at least a day in advance if you have to fly to join a cruise,” CaptPat48 added.
That's a smart idea too, especially during times of year when bad weather is possible. If you miss your cruise due to travel reasons, you will not receive a refund unless you have purchased travel insurance that covers that scenario.
The comically named Noneya Business shared a travel hack full of travel hacks.
“Have a travel bag for the cruise”: towel clips/bands, lip balm, magnetic hooks, bingo chips, sunscreen, door toppers, rubber ducks, etc…contents may vary,” she posted.
Some people offered advice on board that you may not have considered.
“We brought to-go containers to our room to bring our snacks. That way the in-room waiter won't accidentally throw them away and they won't end up stale on a plate,” wrote Lisa Michelle Lutes.
Josh and Rachel shared a trick that works for them but may not apply to everyone.
“Passing the Internet package is the only way to truly disconnect from the world. We never received the Internet package and probably never will,” they wrote.
READ ALSO: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Another poster shared advice that is good and a little selfish.
“Use a travel agent to book your trip. They do all the work. You can sit back and relax,” Executive Experience Travel shared.
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